RA accepts Folau meant no harm to rugby

RUGBY AUSTRALIA (RA) said yesterday they had accepted Israel Folau’s position that he did not mean to harm the game with his anti-gay remarks posted on social media earlier this month and confirmed that he would face no sanction.

Folau, who is an Evangelical Christian, created a firestorm of controversy in Australia, and in rugby circles, after he wrote on his Instagram page that gays would be condemned to “hell” if they failed to “repent”.

His comments were described as “very disappointing” by Qantas airlines, a major sponsor of Rugby Australia, while international referee Nigel Owens, who came out as gay in 2007, said such comments could contribute to young people taking their own lives. In a column on Monday, Folau,

explained his rationale for making the remarks and said he had offered to walk away from the sport if RA found itself in an untenable position with sponsors and fans.

RA chief executive Raelene Castle, who met with Folau last week to discuss the issue, issued a statement yesterday saying the player would not face any sanction from her organisation.

“In his article, Israel clearly articulated his religious beliefs and why his faith is important to him and has provided context behind his social media comment,” Castle said.

“In his own words, Israel said that he did not intend to upset people intentionally or bring hurt to the game. We accept Israel’s position.” One of the nation’s top players and most marketable athletes, Folau’s contract expires at the end of the season and RA are keen to extend it beyond next year’s World Cup in Japan.

His 43-year-old Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said Folau was free to express his views and that team unity had not been affected.

“We may not all agree with his belief but we support him as a teammate and his right to express that freely,” Gibson told reporters.

“I’ve always said everyone is free to have a range of diverse opinion. That’s the beauty of being a team – we’re not all going to agree on the same thing.”

The Waratahs take on the Lions in Sydney on Friday.